Commodity Manager - Indirect Procurement

Job Description

Company Description:

Flender is a leading global supplier for mechanical drive systems and has the reputation for highest performance, innovation, quality, and reliability of mechanical components for 125 years.

We're now hiring a talented Commodity Manager (Indirect Procurement) for our team in Elgin, IL on a full-time basis. If you're eager for your next challenge, Flender is a great place to grow your career.

For more information on Flender, please see website:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Flender is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, other categories protected by federal, state, or local law, and regardless of whether the qualified applicants are individuals with disabilities.

Job Summary:

The Indirect Commodity Manager oversees the sourcing and procurement of indirect materials and services—including as MRO, IT, facilities, and professional services. This role manages supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and cost optimization, while ensuring compliance with company policies and driving continuous improvement. The Indirect Commodity Manager collaborates with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business objectives and works directly with the strategic global Procurement organization to support the strategy of the Flender Group.

Job Responsibilities:

• Strategic Sourcing: Lead sourcing, supplier selection, RFQ/RFP processes, negotiations, and contract management for assigned indirect spend categories.
• Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships. Monitor supplier performance, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement.
• Cost Optimization: Analyze spend and market trends to identify and implement cost savings opportunities. Negotiate pricing, terms, and value-added services.
• Risk & Market Analysis: Track market conditions, manage supply risks, and identify new suppliers, technologies, and innovations.
• Contract Management: Draft, negotiate, and administer supplier contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and other teams to align procurement with business needs and support new initiatives.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve procurement processes using data analytics and KPIs. Implement best practices to increase efficiency.
• Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities follow company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards.

Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of procurement or sourcing experience, with focus on indirect spend (MRO, IT, facilities, services, etc.).
• Experience in the mechanical engineering or manufacturing sector preferred.
• Professional certifications (CPSM, C.P.M., APICS, ASCM) are a plus.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and contract administration skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Coupa) and data analysis tools (Celonis, SAP Analytics Cloud, Excel).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.